Nevada NCLEX (New) Requirement Physical Assessment Course for Foreign Graduates

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hello, although i come here often, i'm not a very active poster because i saw how bad some arguments end up. but i felt this information was very important to share with all of you. i am a bsn graduate from the philippines and i recently applied for the nclex-rn in nevada. yesterday, i received a letter from their bon stating my application is "denied with an educational option". based on my ces report, they are requiring me to complete a physical assessment course at a board approved nursing program in the us with a grade of "c" or higher. and once i send them the transcripts/documentation showing completion, i will be allowed to take the test.

this came to a surprise to me because i have relatives and friends who are also bsn graduates from the philippines and didn't have this problem. and the most recent ones that applied were around 2009-2010. they are already licensed and working. their curriculum was almost identical with mine wherein physical assessment was integrated into the rle (related learning experience) and fundamentals of nursing practice subject (most especially throughout my second year). maybe it should have been clarified in my ces report. but i highly believe this is a newly mandated and/or they are becoming more strict. either way, i am more than willing to comply with it. i'm aware that in most if not all us nursing programs have physical assessment as a separate course.

this may not be a problem for all foreign graduates who took physical assessment as a separate subject. in the philippines though, when i graduated two years ago, i believe most nursing programs didn't have it separated. but after i left, i know that in my school, and perhaps others, they made changes in the curriculum possibly making it a separate subject. so recent graduates may not have to encounter this same problem.

i consulted my aunt regarding this since she is active in the nursing education system. she holds a doctorate in nursing and is currently teaching in the masters program in her school in new jersey. apparently, this physical assessment course requirement has also been recently mandated in the new jersey board of nursing. and in her school, foreign graduates applying for the nclex go there to complete that requirement. only difference though in their state, they just need to show a certification for that course, there is no grade. i believe this requirement is relatively new.. possibly for all states or eventually will be for all states regarding foreign nursing graduates... or maybe just those with a ces report? but anyways my main point of this post is to ask:

do any of you know of a school where i can take just this physical assessment course? preferably in southern california or the nevada area. if there are approved online courses, that would help very much as well.

has anyone received the same requirement?

do you think this will be an additional requirement for the ca bon for foreign nurses?

to give a background, i am a us citizen, born and raised in ca, but took my tertiary education in the philippines. like many of you, i encountered the concurrency problem when i tried to apply for the nclex in ca. and it broke my heart because i am from here and my family lives here. but my mother's advise, who is also a nurse, was to just apply to nevada and eventually fulfill the requirements of ca (since no one has actually succeeded in doing that just yet). the completing of a physical assessment course seems more possible so i guess it's not so bad. but it does suck how it becomes more and more difficult. i'd also like to know:

are there any updates regarding a school in ca where we can complete our ob and med-surgical requirements for the ca bon?

since it is so hard to find a ca school that accepts foreign grads wanting to only take two subjects, will the ca bon allow us to complete the requirements in other us state schools?

do any of you know if holding a master's degree in nursing in another state will qualify the foreign graduate to be licensed in ca? i think it was mentioned before but i'd like to clarify this if it's true or not.

i actually have a lot to say regarding the concurrency problem in ca. but maybe i'll save it for later, since i don't want to stray too far away from the main topic.

Hellooooo Daisy and Kuya Fern.. How are you guys now?

Daisy, I really took your advice upon reading your post.. so earlier, I called NV BON and checked the status of my application. As for my case, I completed all the requirements already just last friday, and as I was telling you guys, the last one being the CES report to be mailed to NV... the result of my call... (drum roll pls.. hihi jk) - she checked my application and told me the only thing I need to do now is to register on Pearson Vue so they can issue the ATT.. At first I can't believe it, so I asked again, but I can't remember now how I really asked her. In conclusion, she told me that I AM ELIGIBLE to take the exam already. In order for them to send or issue that ATT is to register with Pearson vue. So I guess this is good news, I hope. I'll call them again on Friday, my next day off..

Again, thanks Daisy.. hope to see you guys at our future destination. hehe.. take care. enjoy... keep in touch. :)

Oooh btw, regarding the origin of this post, I still don't have any idea why they had that issue with his/her application. Any update will be good for us to find out why. I'm also wondering if he/she already registered on pearson vue..

Hello Hello.. pls add me too jinxedmix.. Today my CES report from CGFNS was mailed already to NV BON.. Do you have any idea how many more days or weeks will it take for NV to decide on my case? I have completed all the requirements they posted and as soon a they receive that CES, I hope they'll have the decision already.. I never thought a thing or issue like this will come up from NV. I have also found out in one of the posts that there are only 39 states left where we, foreign grads can easily get our atts.. I dont know what to feel now, for earlier, I was in tears for having that CES report issued, as I was checking it every night for 2 weeks, I mean online..

Oh well, I'm talking a lot now.... BTW, I really admire the way you reasoned out with one of the posers, on why you don't see the US education as invaluable, and vice versa.. I like your attitude and the way you view this hindrances in our nursing career. keep up the good work. You are inspirational, coz I believe if this happened to someone else, like me for example (maybe), the way they'll react and feel towards this will be more deeply devastating, and with a pessimistic tone.. I mean I like your optimism. Hope to see you around NV if ever.. God bless..

I'm also a CA reject, graduated 2011..

Hello konoha! Sorry for the late reply! Yes, I added you. :) Usually, it'll take a week to 2 weeks for them to send you a letter in the mail regarding your eligibility.. but from your second post, you were able to find out over the phone you were eligible.. so congrats! :D

Thanks, that was nice for you to say about me.. And of course I'm also very devastated, I think I have one of the most bad trip cases. Lol. But there's really no choice but to be optimistic about this and do something about it.. plus, it's not like I'm dying of cancer. Haha. And even if we have those moments where we want to break down (like getting that letter from CA) and mope, we should realize there are people who are dealing with much much bigger problems.. losing a house, losing a loved one... there are people in the world starving to death. So really, this isn't the worst thing that can happen to us. What helped though was talking with other people that are also going through their own ordeals... directly and indirectly caused by the drop in the economy. Like many others, there are those who are still waiting for the opportunity to get a job in the field of course they graduated from. And there are those who were laid off from their job. For a time, I think many thought nursing would be immune. But I firmly believe the situation with some states being more strict with the requirements relate to the effects of the recession.

Five years ago, it was unexpected that, with the nursing shortage, there would be an over abundance and that there would be hospitals laying off nurses. We just got to accept that these problems are part of being a nurse during these hard times, so much more for foreign graduates. Yes there are those foreign grads who didn't have to go through what we are going through now, but there are thousands who are. We're not alone. There have been so many reports of Filipino grads having that concurrency problem with CA and supposedly those who graduated after 2004 will be affected as long as their clinical cases aren't concurrent (which should be clarified isn't equal to clinical hours. Why the BONs don't get it, I don't know why. I believe they purposely don't want to). There are even some who reported having problems endorsing their license to CA. And when I spoke with some schools here, they're very understanding and nonjudgemental because they say there are even cases where graduates from one state would have a hard time applying to another state. And they emphasize this has to do with each state having different rules and requirements (not because our education is of poor quality because we studied abroad!). And how many nursing schools said that the reason why they didn't offer individual courses is because they didn't have enough money and resources to provide for that (another proof it's related to the poor economy).

So despite these problems and no matter what ignorant people say, foreign grads shouldn't think less of themselves; we shouldn't take our education for granted when many in the world are struggling for one and others will never have the opportunity for one. We're college graduates! This is a great accomplishment. And we're BSN graduates. We should humbly take pride in that, not bash the country where we attained it because their priority was meeting their own nation's requirements (for the Philippines, 25 required clinical cases to take the local exam!). But even if we did get our license by this time, it wouldn't be all flowers and daisies. All new grads, most especially foreign grads, are having a hard time getting hired by hospitals. So we just gotta persevere, deal with one problem after another. Even though I hate how hard things are now, I see it as a hidden blessing. For those who really want to be a nurse, this is a test of how much they really want it. And for those who were forced to take up nursing or are still having doubts with their happiness as a nurse, this should be a good opportunity for them to reflect and seek out what they really want. If one doesn't have their heart in what they do, of course work performance and diligence will dwindle. And this is very important as a nurse.. there's no room for carelessness because literally, lives are at stake.

Said more than I intended but yeah, haha, that's my thoughts on the matter. :) It's funny you mentioned you don't have an idea of Nevada's issue with my application because until now, I'm still figuring it out! XD When I spoke with them, they told me it's because I do not have a Physical Assessment course. Kuyafern also discovered another person being required by Nevada to take a Med-Surg course. Another was required both Physical Assessment and Med-Surgical.. even mentioned the reason for Med-Surg is because of concurrency, which is weird because the CES report in no way can evaluate the concurrency without documents of her clinical schedule. You can even see the letter from the Nevada BON here: https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/bon-denied-my-772935.html#post6835033

It's good news though that you and the other poster told me you got your eligibility. It confirms that we don't necessarily have to have taken the subject to be eligible but it should show how it was integrated and we have hours with PA experience in our CGFNS evaluation. I have a theory as to why they gave the Physical Assessment requirement and there's a simpler solution than having to take it up. With regards to the Med-Surg concurrency, it might be more difficult though. But for anyone who will encounter the same problem as me, I recommend getting a re-evaluation.. but also first communicate with your evaluator and school.

Have you seen your applicant copy of your CES report? Would it be ok if I ask you some questions about what was shown with regards to the subject hours? I'd really appreciate this because this little information will help me figure out Nevada's possible reason for requiring additional subjects. Btw, do you have any plans on fulfilling the course requirements for CA?

hello konoha,

i am not a frequent poster here but i do follow posts/comments . like many other IEN grad., i was also denied by CA BON last June after 6 months of waiting.Since i can't afford for my schooling here to fullfill my deficiency in MS/OB both clinical and theory. I never wasted my time, i tried to apply in Nevada State with the hope they will give me a chance to sit for NCLEX, i followed what they posted on their website and last Sept. 4, 2012 i got a reply from CGFNS-CES for the results and they forwarded it to Nevada and for me to be sure for everything, i called Nevada and they told they need my certificate for English proficiency for me to sit the exam once i pass it.. for my own understanding, i think i 've met the requirements needed in Nevada as for the credentials are concerned. so i hope i could take the TOEFl exam this month. i am just having a self review and do some online practice exam...If i were you, u try to call Nevada BON for u to ask your status.They're are kind and very nice to answer your queries..Good Luck!

Congrats daisycariaga! Let us know when you get your eligibility letter! :) Did they say that they evaluated your CES report already? I just want to share, my CES report was sent ahead before my TOEFL score. And when I called to check my status, they told me they don't evaluate the application until all the requirements are complete.. which was weird because I ended up getting the letter for the Physical Assessment requirement even before I sent my TOEFL score. @_@ Not that you have anything to worry about, I just wanted to point out how they were inconsistent with what they told me. Btw, were you able to view you applicant copy of your CES report? It would help me if you could tell me what it says with regarding Physical Assessment! I'm trying to figure things out with why Nevada gave some of us additional requirements.

Specializes in Medical Surgical.

Hi Konoha,

I'm still waiting for CGFNS to make a report. It still says waiting for requirements. This waiting is giving me anxiety. It's such a good news that you are eligible to take the NCLEX! I hope I get my eligibility as well.

Hellooooo Daisy and Kuya Fern.. How are you guys now?

Daisy, I really took your advice upon reading your post.. so earlier, I called NV BON and checked the status of my application. As for my case, I completed all the requirements already just last friday, and as I was telling you guys, the last one being the CES report to be mailed to NV... the result of my call... (drum roll pls.. hihi jk) - she checked my application and told me the only thing I need to do now is to register on Pearson Vue so they can issue the ATT.. At first I can't believe it, so I asked again, but I can't remember now how I really asked her. In conclusion, she told me that I AM ELIGIBLE to take the exam already. In order for them to send or issue that ATT is to register with Pearson vue. So I guess this is good news, I hope. I'll call them again on Friday, my next day off..

Again, thanks Daisy.. hope to see you guys at our future destination. hehe.. take care. enjoy... keep in touch. :)

hi konoha,

are you done with your TOEFL/IELTS exam? pls. let me know then.thanks

Hello jinxedminx,

Thanks for sharing with us your status in Nevada.. they did not say they evaluated my CES report . because when CGFNS-CES emailed me that i already have my issued report forwarded to Nevada,saying" congratulations" so i was happy then. when i opened my applicants copy, it did not say about "physical assessment " thing, it just says that my nursing education in the Philippines is ...

Comparable To:

Comparable to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

in the United States.

Comments: This credential, however, represents completion of only ten years of

primary and secondary school education followed by four years of university for a total of fourteen years of education.

My school where i graduated breakdown the hours that i had taken in my nursing years. they never leave anything as blank. so when i called them , they asked me about the English Proficiency Certificate , then i could sit for the NCLEX once i pass the criteria. if u want to know about how many hours for lectures/theory for my physical assessment,you can add me ..thanks.

Hello jinxedminx,

Thanks for sharing with us your status in Nevada.. they did not say they evaluated my CES report . because when CGFNS-CES emailed me that i already have my issued report forwarded to Nevada,saying" congratulations" so i was happy then. when i opened my applicants copy, it did not say about "physical assessment " thing, it just says that my nursing education in the Philippines is ...

Comparable To:

Comparable to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

in the United States.

Comments: This credential, however, represents completion of only ten years of

primary and secondary school education followed by four years of university for a total of fourteen years of education.

My school where i graduated breakdown the hours that i had taken in my nursing years. they never leave anything as blank. so when i called them , they asked me about the English Proficiency Certificate , then i could sit for the NCLEX once i pass the criteria. if u want to know about how many hours for lectures/theory for my physical assessment,you can add me ..thanks.

Hi daisycariaga, thanks for replying. Yes, that's exactly what it says in my report as well, what you typed in bold! I added you na. :) I'm not sure if you can reply to my private message though because you need to make at least 15 posts on allnurses to send private messages. I'll give you also my email address just in case. Let me know here if you were able to reply through the private messages or not. :)

Hello guys again.. There's a lot of posts already and I don't know which to answer first. so, prioritization.. hehe..

Jinxedmix, to sum it up, I think I also have the same content or summary with you and Daisy's CES report. But since your problem pertains to the Physical Assessment course, I just ctrl F the word physical assessment on the pdf file of my applicant copy, then poof I have 18 theory hours of that subject area.

Daisy, pls add me up too, and also kuya fern.

Now, Daisy, I took my Toefl last aaah... ok this was my timeline-like thingy

May 14 - started CGFNS application

June 22 - Las Vegas livescan processing

July 06 - took the TOEFL

July 13 - TOEFL results

July 24 - finally mailed the required documents from MCU

Aug 16 - Mail can't be delivered to CGFNS 'coz there is no authorized recipient available

Aug 17 - waiting waiting waiting for reply from CGFNS; patience being tested

around Aug 27 cgfns got the mail already

Sept 7 after 2 consecutive weeks of checking the CGFNS website for any development, CES issued and mailed to NV

Sept 10 called NVBON; they told me to just register with pearson vue, then thats it.

so Sept 11 just today.. checked my email then to my great great great amazement and surprise (thank you thank you thank you Lord)

Finally got my ATT. A year and a half after graduation. Thank you so much po...

Now, its time to share my joy by posting this. All prayers will be answered at the right time.. Just keep on working on it, don't let the darkness of our Cali application get in the way to reach our simple precious dreams and focus on the goal.

:up:

My next journey, the NCLEX RN itself.. ooooh btw, the att is valid for 90 days I think, and I'm still figuring out what date to schedule, but better decide early.. so help me God...

ok ok what else to say.. ahhmmm.. I hope I have shared what I need to.. Our patience and determination are really tested the whole time, and very much of our hope too. Keep sharing the love guys.. see you around soon future RNs.. smile always..

oopsie.. Didn't expect that what I pasted would turned out into big fonts.. hmmp.

Few more things.. Jinxedmix, ahhmm hopefully, you'll find out the reason for the deficiency they see in your application and have the best possible solution for it.. Godbless and may the way you think be contagious enough to people you interact with..

With regards to the points you have thoroughly explained, what more can I add up? nursing market really on a variable rate through this years and decades. hehe. I remember the story my aunt told me, that when she was studying BSN, way back years years ago, there was also an oversupply of nurses, but she still carried on what she started. Then the shortage came, and she was thankful she continued and pursued this career. oh well, we are just another part of history unfolding, and let's just make the most of it.. There were just times when I ask myself that why am I working on this field that I don't want to (working at a dental office).. There will always be a lesson for us to pick up from all our experiences.. What a journey it has been.. hehe.. I'm doing too much talking, now need to focus on review. stay focused.. enjoy

To konoha:

What did you mean by: "Jinxedmix, to sum it up, I think I also have the same content or summary with you and Daisy's CES report. But since your problem pertains to the Physical Assessment course, I just ctrl F the word physical assessment on the pdf file of my applicant copy, then poof I have 18 theory hours of that subject area"

Do you search for "Physical Assesment course" via ctrl F and added something to your application of the 18 hours?

Ahh, congrats on getting your ATT and good luck on passing the exam soon :yeah:

To konoha:

What did you mean by: "Jinxedmix, to sum it up, I think I also have the same content or summary with you and Daisy's CES report. But since your problem pertains to the Physical Assessment course, I just ctrl F the word physical assessment on the pdf file of my applicant copy, then poof I have 18 theory hours of that subject area"

Do you search for "Physical Assesment course" via ctrl F and added something to your application of the 18 hours?

Ahh, congrats on getting your ATT and good luck on passing the exam soon :yeah:

Hi steppybay! I think what konoha meant was when she opened her downloaded pdf copy of her CES report, she found the hours of her Physical Assessment evaluation by using the command ctrl F. :) She didn't add the number of hours. No one can edit their CES report. Hehe. CGFNS forwards it directly to the BONs electronically, at the same time, they post a downloadable copy of your CES report in your CGFNS account. :)

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